GM potato trial results in blight-free crops

Blight, a fungal infection, destroyed Irish potatoes during the Great Famine 1845-1852, and it remains a problem here today [Credit: Frogblog.ie]Genetically modified, or GM, potatoes planted last August by Teagasc researchers have remained blight free, while standard potatoes beside them are diseased.

The apparent success of the trial opens the door for Irish farmers to use GM potatoes that are resistant to blight, which remains a major problem in Ireland.

Farmers must spray potatoes with pesticides to try and prevent blight. The EU has introduced a Directive that seeks the reduction of use of such chemicals.